In recent years, a growing number of universities have made standardized test scores optional for admission, citing concerns about access and equity. However, a new trend is emerging as some institutions are choosing to reinstate testing requirements. Let’s explore this shift and highlight some universities that are returning to requiring standardized test scores.
Why the Reversal?
The decision to go back to requiring standardized test scores is influenced by several factors. One key reason is the perceived value of test scores in predicting student success. While some argue that tests are not the only measure of academic potential, others believe that they provide valuable insights into a student’s preparedness for college-level work.
Universities Requiring Standardized Test Scores
Dartmouth College
Dartmouth, a prestigious Ivy League institution, was the first Ivy to decide to reinstate the testing requirement for the Class of 2029 (entering Fall 2025). This decision follows a study by Brown University faculty, which found that standardized test scores were a better predictor of first-year success than high school grades alone.
Harvard University
Harvard has announced that students applying for entry in Fall 2025 and beyond will need to submit SAT or ACT scores as part of their application.
California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
Caltech swiftly followed Harvard’s announcement by reinstating its testing requirement for students applying for admission in Fall 2025.
Yale University
Yale has mandated standardized testing scores for all first-year applicants for Fall 2025 admissions and onwards. Applicants have the flexibility to choose which scores to include in their application, selecting from SAT, ACT, Advanced Placement, and International Baccalaureate options.
Brown University
After thorough research and analysis, Brown University has decided to reintroduce the requirement for students to submit their standardized test scores, beginning with the Class of 2029.
Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech)
Georgia Tech has reinstated its testing requirement for students interested in enrolling in Fall 2025.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
MIT announced in 2022 that it would require SAT or ACT test scores for students applying to enroll in the fall of 2023.
Florida Schools
Several Florida universities require the submission of test scores. The following schools accept SAT, ACT, and CLT:
- Florida International University
- Florida State University
- University of Florida
- University of Central Florida
- University of South Florida
Other Schools that Require Test Scores
- Purdue University
- University of Georgia
- University of Texas at Austin
- Georgetown University
- University of Tennessee
The trend of universities returning to requiring standardized test scores reflects a complex landscape in college admissions. While some institutions see value in test scores as a predictor of student success, others are continuing to explore more holistic approaches to evaluating applicants. As the admissions process continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how universities balance the use of standardized tests with other factors in their decision-making process.
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